china amaro

Reference

Central Italy (Abruzzo — Clementi), French Alps (Bigallet), Piedmont / Italy

ABV16-30%. Most china amari in the 16-25% aperitif range.

Sub-styles

Classic china amaro (Clementi)China-China (double-infused / Bigallet)Quina aperitif (Franco-Italian crossover)

Tasting Notes

Chinchona bark, orange peel, gentian, dark caramel. The quinine bitterness is the defining note — sharper and more medicinal than gentian's earthy bitterness. Dark amber color. Moderately sweet — the sugar balances the quinine. Finish is long, bitter, with a distinct 'tonic water' aftertaste. More focused than broad-spectrum amari — china amaro knows what it is.

Brand Guide

Standard: China Martini ($16-22).

Premium

Bigallet China-China ($25-30). Craft: Various Italian producers ($20-30). The category is less well-known than other amaro subcategories but has a devoted following among bitter enthusiasts

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The Story

Quinine bitterness in Italian amaro form. The same bark that cures malaria and flavors tonic water, made into a sippable aperitif tradition stretching back four centuries.